Korean Air orders Boeing 747s, 777s

Boeing’s 747-8 program got a boost Tuesday when Korean Air agreed to buy five passenger planes.

Demand for jumbo jets has declined in recent years, leading Boeing to cut its forecast and slow 747 production. Analysts have speculated Boeing could put an end to the program, particularly if the jet maker launches the 777-9X, which will seat up to 400 passengers.

Korean Air also said it will order six 777-300ER aircraft. The order has not been finalized. Korean Air is the only carrier to have ordered both the freighter and passenger versions of Boeing’s 747-8.

Through the end of May, Boeing had won just 105 orders for the 747-8 program. The company had delivered 50 747-8s.